A patient who has been on long-term corticosteroid therapy has had surgery to correct an abdominal hernia. The nurse keeps in mind that which potential effect of this medication may have the most impact on the patient's recovery?

Choice A reason: Increased intestinal peristalsis is not an effect of adrenergic agonist drugs, but rather of cholinergic drugs, which stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system. Adrenergic agonist drugs activate the sympathetic nervous system, which decreases intestinal motility.

Choice B reason: Bronchial constriction is also not an effect of adrenergic agonist drugs, but rather of cholinergic drugs, which cause bronchoconstriction and increased secretions. Adrenergic agonist drugs cause bronchodilation and decreased secretions.

Choice C reason: Increased heart rate is an effect of adrenergic agonist drugs, which stimulate the beta-1 receptors in the heart, causing increased cardiac output and blood pressure. This is why adrenergic agonist drugs are used to treat conditions such as shock, cardiac arrest, and heart failure.

Choice D reason: Constricted pupils is not an effect of adrenergic agonist drugs, but rather of cholinergic drugs, which cause miosis or pupil constriction. Adrenergic agonist drugs cause mydriasis or pupil dilation.

Choice A reason: This is incorrect because nausea is not a common or serious adverse effect of estrogen therapy. However, the patient should take the estrogen with food or milk to prevent stomach upset.

Choice B reason: This is incorrect because triglycerides are not affected by estrogen therapy. However, the patient should monitor their cholesterol and blood pressure levels regularly and follow a healthy diet and exercise regimen.

Choice C reason: This is correct because smoking and estrogen therapy are both risk factors for thrombosis, which is the formation of blood clots in the blood vessels. The patient should stop smoking and report any signs of thrombosis, such as leg pain, swelling, redness, or warmth, to the provider.

Choice D reason: This is incorrect because bleeding during menstruation is not increased by estrogen therapy. However, the patient should report any abnormal vaginal bleeding, such as spotting, heavy bleeding, or prolonged bleeding, to the provider.